Sometimes I get so caught up in recycling that I pay less attention than I should to the other two R’s…Reducing and Reusing. Recycling is great, but ideally we should be using less and reusing more. And while reducing the amount of stuff we use is ideal, it often feels like a punishment.

Reusing is like a reward – something from nothing.

My company recently hosted a conference at the Convention Center. As at most events, there was ample signage throughout the venue. Because these signs were printed on foamcore board, they could not be recycled. Bummer.

So instead of letting them all go to waste, I took a huge stack home for my kids to draw on. They’ll still end up in the landfill, but until then we aren’t buying posterboard or giant drawing pads – this is keeping trees alive somewhere. And that’s why reusing is important – not only does it keep something out of the landfill, it reduces demand for new products (reducing). So get creative and keep an eye on your junk – you just might breathe new life into an old item.